Hi everyone, I am new to this hobby and have been doing loads of research about it. I understand the importance of cycling and everything to promote a healthy tank.

I have a question about Bio Spira. I have been reading on other forums that people swear by the stuff. They have said they put the bottle in the day before then go stock their aquarium the next day with like 2 or 3 fish.

My question is, if you have used Bio Spira, would you use it again? How exactly did you use it (with fishless cycling or what?)? What is your opinion on using these types of products? etc.

Also I am looking to get an angelfish and dwarf gouramis, I was wondering if people have any suggestions on other tank mates? :-P

Unfortunatly I do not get to start until mid- January, the anticipation is KILLING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :twisted:
-Pat

beetlebz

12-30-2009 07:05 AM

Heya pat. I can say that i have never used biospira to be perfectly honest with you. If it was sold locally the story might be different, its the costs of shipping that kept me from trying it. I have actually had ok luck with the bottled stuff, but for all of the hell that it took im ok with the good old fashioned process :)

as for tank mates with angels, i would watch those gourami like a hawk. you never know who they will pick on and who they wont. however, and maybe im biased because im a swordtail fan, but swords are an awesome way to add color, and a group of 4 would be right at home in a 29 :) I would also think about cory cats, even some of the less nippy tetras maybe, though someone else will have to tell you which of the tetras are easier on fins.

Hawkian

12-30-2009 08:17 AM

Hi there! Welcome to the hobby and to the forum!

Like beetle I don't have experience with Bio-Spira either. A quick google search however brings out 2 sides of the coin: some swear by it, others think it's junk. Since it's in my nature to be skeptical about "magic cure-all" products, I tend to be skeptical about any product that claims to shorten the natural cycle from weeks to mere days. I would tend to think that Bio-Spira is probably in line with other products that promote good bacteria to aid the cycle (such as Nutrafin Cycle and the like)... but as I've said, I never used Bio-Spira.

Tank mates suggested by beetle are good ones. I've read that Gouramis are compatible with Angels but stay away from smaller fish such as neons, white clouds and guppies... unless you want to give them to your Angels as a snack!

Angel079

12-30-2009 09:50 AM

Hello & Welcome to the forum
Pers never used this stuff, always cycle mine fishless or add used filter media from other tanks (best, quickest and safest way really)
I'd strongly suggest to read about cycling here (rather then me repeating it all here now lol) http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...ium-cycle-252/

For your wish to have Angel fish....they got to be housed in tanks no smaller then 55g due to the size they grow to (10"+ at proper care) are you able to provide this?
Also important for stocking: What is your pH and hardness? Like neon tetras they need soft acidic water, while Livebears need hard water...so really check your water, you don't wanna buy nothing that does not thrive in your water.

PRichs87

12-30-2009 01:00 PM

thanks for all the suggestions everyone, i am thinking i will just use pure ammonia to cycle my tank but was wondering if people used the bottled stuff. as for the fish ill keep ya posted as to what i buy

PRichs87

12-30-2009 01:07 PM

also has anyone housed a male betta with an angelfish?

Angel079

12-30-2009 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRichs87
(Post 296744)

also has anyone housed a male betta with an angelfish?

Wouldn't recommend that, the Angel will set the male Betta right into attack mode until the point where the Angel is either stressed dead or all fins are gone or both...wouldn't wanna watch that..

stephanieleah

12-30-2009 07:10 PM

i've used safe start and never saw any spike in ammonia or nitrites. it's refrigerated live bacteria.

mrdemin

12-30-2009 07:53 PM

Are you supplying any type of ammonia? If not, the bacteria will just die off... Feed the tank as you would if you have fish, but very limited portions. Why would there be a spike in anything if all you added was bacteria?

PRichs87

12-31-2009 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel079
(Post 296798)

Wouldn't recommend that, the Angel will set the male Betta right into attack mode until the point where the Angel is either stressed dead or all fins are gone or both...wouldn't wanna watch that..